As the two parties fought for their own interests, the triple lock – a Lib Dem manifesto pledge – entered the agenda. Every party had the triple lock in their manifestoThe triple lock was originally introduced to combat retirement poverty and resuscitate the state pension, which had fallen well behind workers' wages. The old basic state pension has risen 81pc, while the new state pension – created in 2016 – has increased by 55pc. Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, came under serious pressure for even appearing to suggest watering down the triple lock. She added: "We accept that the triple lock may not be needed forever, but it is certainly needed today.